Tag Archive for: 4.0 GPA

PETRA IS BEST IN THE POOL

BOARDMAN OH- In an in-depth interview with YSN, Boardman High School senior swimmer Petra Crnjak shares insights into her swimming career, academic achievements, and ambitions beyond high school.

As a key figure of her swim team, Petra highlights the strong camaraderie among her teammates, which has been pivotal throughout her high school journey. “With those strong bonds, I focus more on the people instead of the practice,” she states, emphasizing the mutual support system the team fosters. Petra, who maintains a remarkable 4.0 GPA, attributes her academic success and passion for swimming to effective time management and support from her family and peers. Looking ahead, she is excited about pursuing a career in the medical field, with plans to attend Youngstown State University and eventually study at NeoMed.

Outside of her rigorous schedule, Petra enjoys reading and spending quality time with family and friends, seeking moments away from screens to connect with loved ones. As Petra approaches the culmination of her high school years, she remains focused on finishing the swim season strong and cherishing the remaining moments of this chapter in her life. Her journey reflects a blend of perseverance, leadership, and aspiration, serving as an inspiring example for her fellow students and athletes.

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BEICHNER BREAKS THE MOLD

BOARDMAN OH – Matthew Beichner, a senior at Boardman High School, has proven to be a standout both in the pool and in the classroom. His journey in swimming began at the young age of five at the BTSC Boardman Tennis Swim Club. Since then, Beichner’s commitment to the sport has only grown, culminating in a senior year filled with joy and achievement.

In addition to his prowess in swimming, Beichner is also a dedicated cross country runner. He attributes his strong leg muscles and time management skills to his rigorous involvement in both sports. For Matthew, cross country has not only honed his physical capabilities but also instilled a strong sense of dedication and integrity. Despite facing multiple injuries through his high school years, including a stress fracture in his ankle and neck surgery, Beichner’s resilience is evident. This year marked his first injury-free swim season, a testament to his perseverance and determination. Academically, Beichner holds a 4.0 GPA, a feat that requires significant time management given his four-hour daily commitment to swimming. He credits teachers like Mrs. Burkey, his former chemistry teacher and avid swim supporter, for helping him maintain his academic excellence.

Looking ahead, Matthew plans to pursue a major in biochemistry, with aspirations of attending medical school to become an anesthesiologist. Inspired by his family’s medical background and his own health experiences, Beichner is motivated to make a meaningful impact in the field. Throughout his journey, Matthew has been supported by his family, coaches, teammates, and even his dog Cooper, all of whom play a significant role in his life. “I wish more athletes gave pet shout outs,” joked Anthony Hartwig, host of the YSN podcast, highlighting the personal touch Beichner brings to his acknowledgments. As he prepares for the next chapter, Matthew Beichner stands out as a model student athlete, embodying both academic dedication and athletic passion.

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MIHOK MAKING WAVES

BOARDMAN, OH—In the latest YSN Player Profile, sophomore swimming sensation Zac Mihok discussed his burgeoning career with interviewer Anthony Hartwig. Mihok has already made waves by qualifying for districts, a remarkable achievement for an underclassman at Boardman High School.

Reflecting on his journey, Mihok credits his swift ascent in the swimming world to the experience gained from last year’s rigorous competition schedule. “This year has been just a reflection of what happened last year,” Mihok noted, emphasizing the importance of learning and passing knowledge onto his teammates. Mihok’s dedication to swimming is unparalleled, as he pours all his energy into the sport. He finds satisfaction in the daily grind of practice, believing that perseverance in the face of challenges is what propels him forward. “When you know that you can do it, that’s what takes you to the next place,” he shared. His confidence in the pool stems significantly from the trust he places in his coaches, Carlo Gordon, Mark Brooks, and Chelsea, whom he describes as pivotal figures in his development. “They push me to limits where I don’t really even think I would be able to find,” Mihok said of the coaching staff’s influence.

Beyond the pool, Mihok maintains a stellar academic record, boasting a 4.0 GPA. His love for learning, particularly in mathematics, has been nurtured by influential educators like his middle school math teacher, Mrs. Hatch, who supported him through challenging times. Looking ahead, Mihok dreams of a future in aerospace engineering, captivated by the prospect of modeling spaceships and missiles. Nevertheless, swimming remains a passion he hopes to pursue post-high school. As the Tokyo Olympics brought swimming into the spotlight, Mihok appreciated the widespread attention on the sport he loves. Inspired by legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, whom he watched compete in Rio in 2016, Mihok aspires to reach similar heights in his career. Concluding the interview, Mihok expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support, particularly his parents, Jennifer and Jeffrey, and his grandparents, who have all played crucial roles in his life. With two years of high school remaining, this rising star continues to navigate the dual demands of athletics and academics, embodying a commitment to excellence in both arenas.

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